REP. THIELEN PUSHES HEMP

A Maui conference espouses the non-psychoactive plant for industrial use.

Long a supporter of industrial hemp production in Hawaii, state Rep.
Cynthia Thielen (R-Kailua) will be a keynote speaker next month at the Hemp
Industries Association Annual Convention at the Maui Lu Resort.

David West, a seed geneticist with the Hawaii Industrial Hemp Research
Project, also will speak.

Hawaii is among 12 states that have passed legislation supporting research
or deregulation of industrial hemp. Of those states, only Hawaii and North
Dakota have planted test plots. Thielen co-authored Hawaii's industrial
hemp research law.

"Hawaii is leading the nation with its industrial hemp research project,"
said Theilen.

"Hawaii can become the hemp seed breeding capitol for the USA, particularly
since five crops per year can be grown in our latitude. This means economic
development for our islands."

Association members will be meeting in Maui to organize opposition to
proposed Drug Enforcement Agency regulations that would further restrict
the market for industrial hemp.

The convention's keynote addresses take place at the Auntie Aloha Longhouse
at Maui Lu Resort in Kihei Oct. 5 at 7 p.m. Cost is $5. Call 707-887-7508.